You’re ready to roll on your first or next tattoo but for the sake of efficiency (or whatever) you want to knock out two in one sitting. Can it be done? Of course. Two tattoos may be no different than getting a big or complicated ink job in a single session, but as with any work, there are some things you need to consider first. Here they are.
What to Consider When Getting Two Tattoos in the Same Day
1. If You Have a Low Threshold for Pain, Schedule Two Sittings
It’s pretty simple – if you have issues with pain then abstain from getting both done in a single session. This may seem obvious, but those with a low threshold may think that “getting it over with” is the best way to go, but it’s not. You’ll suffer and your artist may have a hard time applying the work when you’re squirming in your chair, and asking for numerous breaks. Of course, you can absolutely take a break between tattoos, but for some an hour may not be enough. If you have a history of poor “pain management” give yourself a break and schedule the second design for a week or two later, assuming your schedule allows.
2. Placement of Each Tattoo Dictates Viability
You won’t be able to get two tattoos if the placement of the second tattoo interferes with the first. Remember, you will have just received a fresh ink job, and it will experience after-session pain, swelling (within reason) and bleeding. You can’t exactly roll over onto it while your artist dives into design number two. For example, getting a tattoo on each side of your ribs for a cool bookend effect may be a great idea, but it simply won’t work if the design calls for you to lay on your side. Before planning your dynamic duo, consider where the first one will be placed, and if it may impede upon the application of the next. If so, wait until the tattoo has healed enough so that friction won’t impact its integrity or your comfort.
3. The More Complicated the Design the Less Likely
If you’re getting two small tattoos or the design you just had drawn up is fairly basic from an artist application perspective, and the conditions above are met, then getting both done in one session is much more viable. If not, the work on the second one may suffer somewhat if the artist is not up to snuff (more on this below). In the end, smaller tattoos with clean lines and less shading and color will work much better in this scenario.
4. How Much Time You Got?
This is probably the most logical qualifier. Even if an artist agrees to do both in one sitting and the designs are clean, don’t assume that the tattoos will be done by an exact time. With one tattoo you need to leave an hour (or more) buffer, and with two, you need even more time on the clock to account for longer breaks and to ensure the second tattoo matches the first to the tee (when doing matching designs). Basically, if you plan on getting two tattoos in one session, don’t do it on a day when you have to catch a flight or need to get to your wedding rehearsal dinner without ticking off the in-laws. You get the idea.
5. The Right Artist Makes a Big Difference
You may have a strong threshold for pain, have clean designs in mind, and have all the time in the world, but the right artist will make a world of difference when it comes to pulling off this two-in-one. Less-seasoned or poorly trained artists are more likely to experience both physical and mental fatigue and the work may suffer. Even if the design of each is not too complicated, they may subconsciously lose interest when working on the same canvas (you) for an extended period of time. If the design of each tattoo is the same (i.e. bookending shoulder tattoos) the lines and tone of the second one may not match as you intended. Of course, choosing the right studio and artist is everything, so be sure to do your homework before walking into a shop all willy-nilly. Reference our guide on how to choose a tattoo shop here, and how to choose an tattooist here.
If you have any further questions about this topic or want to get started with a consultation, contact an Adrenaline Studios near you today.
Written By:
Adrenaline Tattoo
Tattoos, not attitudes. Piercings, not pricks. From the beginning, Adrenaline’s focus has been on delivering the best customer service possible within the body modification industry.
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